The real estate market across the U.S. showed promising signs of stabilization in September as existing home sales climbed 1.5% month-over-month and 4.1% year-over-year, according to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
For buyers and sellers alike, this data reveals a market thatās beginning to rebalanceāhelped by slightly lower mortgage rates, an increase in available inventory, and the ongoing strength of homeowner equity.
Below, we break down what this means for todayās housing market, both nationally and locallyāwith a special look at Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties.
š” National Real Estate Snapshot: A Market Finding Its Footing
After several months of slower sales due to high mortgage rates and low inventory, Septemberās rebound marks a positive turning point. The NAR reported that existing home sales increased 1.5% month-to-month, signaling that many buyers jumped back into the market as soon as rates eased.
š National Market Highlights ā September 2025
| Category | September 2025 | Month-Over-Month Change | Year-Over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing Home Sales | Up 1.5% | +1.5% | +4.1% |
| Average 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate | 6.35% (September) | ā | Down from nearly 7% earlier this year |
| Current Average 30-Year Fixed Rate (October) | 6.19% | ā | ā |
| Cash Purchases | 30% of all transactions | ā | Up from pre-pandemic norms |
| Share of Buyersā Markets (Top 50 Metros) | 35 markets (70%) | ā | Higher than 2024 |
| Balanced Markets | 10 markets (20%) | ā | ā |
| Sellersā Markets | 4 markets (8%) | ā | Nassau County among them |
š° Mortgage Rates Drop: A Welcome Relief for Buyers
Mortgage rates have been one of the biggest barriers for homebuyers in 2024 and early 2025. After peaking near 7%, rates dropped to an average of 6.35% in September and 6.19% in Octoberāthe lowest levels in months.
This decline made a meaningful difference for affordability, encouraging both first-time and move-up buyers to re-enter the market. For example, a buyer purchasing a $600,000 home with 20% down would see their monthly payment drop by over $300 per month compared to when rates were at 7%.
āWhen rates begin to ease, even slightly, it often reignites buyer demand,ā said Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR. āThatās exactly what we saw in September.ā
š Equity & Stability: Why Few Homeowners Are Forced to Sell
Another key factor keeping the housing market stable is record-high homeowner equity. Across the U.S., homeowners have gained more than 40% in equity over the past five years.
This means fewer distressed properties, foreclosures, or āforced salesā compared to the last market downturn. Homeowners are in strong financial positionsāmany are ālocked inā to historically low mortgage rates or own their homes outright.
For those who do choose to sell, this equity gives them flexibility to make their next move, whether that means downsizing, relocating, or cashing out for retirement.
šµ Cash Buyers Continue to Shape the Market
One of the most notable trends in 2025 is the rise of cash buyers. These include high-net-worth individuals, investors, and homeowners with substantial equity who can purchase without financing contingencies.
In September, cash transactions accounted for 30% of all sales nationwideāa much larger share than in pre-pandemic years. These buyers often win in multiple-offer situations because they can move quickly and avoid the uncertainties tied to mortgage approvals.
Why Cash Buyers Have an Edge
- Faster closings
- No mortgage contingencies
- Sellers prefer certainty in competitive environments
- Stronger negotiation power
For financed buyers, this makes pre-approval and strategic offer writing more critical than ever. Working with an experienced Realtor who understands how to structure winning offers can make all the difference.
šļø 35 of 50 Major U.S. Metros Now in āBuyerās Marketā Territory
According to September data, 35 of the 50 largest metro areas in the U.S. were categorized as buyerās markets, meaning there were more homes for sale than there were active buyers.
Another 10 markets were balanced, showing roughly equal supply and demand. Only 4 metros remained sellersā marketsāwhere inventory was limited and buyers still faced stiff competition.
The Four Remaining Sellersā Markets (September 2025)
| Metro Area | Market Type | Inventory Situation |
|---|---|---|
| Nassau County, NY | Sellersā Market | 39.1% fewer homes for sale than buyer demand |
| Pennsylvania Metro | Sellersā Market | Tight inventory |
| New Jersey Metro | Sellersā Market | Tight inventory |
| Ohio Metro | Sellersā Market | Tight inventory |
For Nassau County homeowners, this means the local market still favors sellersāif homes are priced correctly and marketed strategically.
š½ Local Market Snapshot: Queens, Nassau & Suffolk Counties
The OneKey MLS (covering Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk) provides valuable insights into how our local Long Island and NYC suburbs performed in September.
While sales were slightly down across all three counties, home prices continue to climb, driven by strong demand and low supply.
š OneKey MLS ā September 2025 Snapshot
| County | Closed Sales (YoY) | Homes for Sale (YoY) | Median Sales Price (YoY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queens | -8.0% | -2.7% | +16.1% |
| Nassau | -4.0% | -7.7% | +3.9% |
| Suffolk | -1.9% | -5.6% | +6.7% |
šŗļø What These Numbers Mean
Queens:
The borough continues to see limited inventory with prices up more than 16% year-over-yearāa major increase that reflects demand for space, proximity to Manhattan, and limited new construction.
Nassau County:
While closed sales dropped slightly, Nassau remains one of the few true sellersā markets in the country, with nearly 40% fewer homes available than buyers searching. Median prices rose nearly 4%, maintaining strong stability.
Suffolk County:
Suffolk remains more affordable than its neighboring counties, and buyer demand remains steady. Prices are up 6.7%, while inventory continues to shrink, making it an attractive market for both move-up buyers and investors.
š Key Takeaways for Home Buyers
- Rates Have Dropped:
Mortgage rates in the low-6% range are helping affordability and boosting buyer confidence. - More Options Are Appearing:
Inventory is improving in many areas, creating more balance. - Cash Buyers Still Win:
Be prepared with a strong pre-approval or alternative financing strategy. - Work with Local Experts:
In competitive markets like Nassau and Queens, having a Realtor who knows how to navigate bidding wars, inspections, and pricing trends is essential. - Timing Is Key:
The fall market often brings motivated sellers before year-endāan ideal time for buyers to negotiate favorable terms.
š¼ Key Takeaways for Home Sellers
- Equity Advantage:
Many homeowners still hold significant equityāuse that to position your next move confidently. - Presentation Matters:
With more listings hitting the market, professional staging and photography make a difference. - Pricing Strategically:
Avoid overpricing. Buyers are educated and sensitive to interest rate shifts. - Nassau Remains Strong:
If youāre in a sellersā market like Nassau County, the right pricing and marketing can result in multiple offers. - Partner with Professionals:
The Keit Teamās market knowledge across Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk ensures you maximize your return and avoid costly missteps.
š§ Local Perspective: The Keit Teamās Take
At The Keit Team, weāre seeing a renewed sense of movement across the QueensāLong Island corridor. Lower rates have re-energized buyer inquiries, while sellers are taking advantage of strong pricing to list before winter.
Many of our clientsāespecially those in the 50+ lifestyle transition phaseāare using this moment to right-size, relocate closer to family, or explore retirement destinations.
Our 50+ Lifestyle Moves Program helps homeowners plan every step, from decluttering and organizing to legal and financial strategies for protecting their assets.
Whether youāre buying, selling, or planning your next chapter, our mission is to make your transition seamless and successful.
š Ready to Discuss Your Real Estate Goals?
If youāve been wondering whether itās time to make a moveāor if youād simply like a personalized market report for your neighborhoodāreach out to our team today.
The Keit Team at Keller Williams Realty Landmark
š Serving Queens, Nassau & Suffolk Counties
š§ helen.keit@kw.com | š 917-887-4924
Letās plan your move with confidenceāwhether youāre looking to sell at the right time, buy your next home, or explore retirement options.
š§© Final Thoughts
The September housing data offers a clear message: the market is shiftingābut not slowing.
Lower rates are inviting buyers back, cash investors remain active, and strong equity continues to protect homeowners from distress.
As we move into the final months of the year, working with a knowledgeable, full-service real estate team can help you stay ahead of these evolving trendsāturning opportunity into success.